Page 5 - Physical Education in Ancient India (1)

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, also known as the science for prolongation of life, makes a

thorough study of the human body, its different types and needs, and

accordingly proposes nutrition and specific exercises and methods for

optimum body development, with emphasis on strength and agility.

In Ayurveda, strength was considered the basis of health and physical

development. By the acquisition of strength, each and every internal

organ, the heart, the brain, the lungs, the liver and the kidneys, the

external senses, the limbs, ought to be able to perform their functions

without any fault or disorder.

Kalaripayattu is the world’s oldest martial art and fighting

system, which originated in Kerala. The word kalari first

appears in the Tamil Sangam literature (c. 300BCE to

300CE). Legend traces this martial art form to Sage

Parashurama.